Assessing the nexus of economic growth indicators and carbon-dioxide emission in West Africa: A dynamic panel data approach

Abstract

This research aims to evaluate the correlation between economic development and carbon dioxide emissions in a specific subset of West African nations. The study used a quantitative research methodology to gather data on carbon dioxide emissions, GDP, urban population, rural population, access to gas, and access to electricity from the years 1990 to 2021. The data was analysed using the Panel ARDL approach, and all requisite tests were conducted to ascertain the characteristics of the data. The research reveals the existence of persisting correlations among the selected variables, indicating that changes in GDP, electricity availability, petrol availability, rural population, and urban population have long-lasting impacts on carbon dioxide emissions in West African countries. The findings indicate that in the process of striving for economic development, addressing economic inequalities, and enhancing productivity in various economic sectors in West African countries, there is a potential for increased carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The magnitude of emissions growth is contingent upon the response of these countries to the evolving economic landscape.